Earth System Science

What is a system?• An organized group of

objects/components that interact

• The Earth system involves the interaction and transfer of MATTER and ENERGY

OPEN SYSTEM CLOSED SYSTEM

•Energy and matter are exchanged with surroundings.

•Example: Lake Michigan….How is energy and matter transferred here?

•Energy but NOT matter is exchanged with surroundings

•Example: Closed Aquarium…How is this different from the Lake Michigan example?

EARTH’S SYSTEMS

HYDROSPHEREATMOSPHERE

BIOSPHEREGEOSPHERE

• Read the material provided…Find out what each sphere is and write it in the appropriate place in your notes

• FINAL QUESTIONS: Are each of the 4 spheres open or closed systems? Why? Is the entire Earth System open or closed? Why?

ASSIGNMENT:Foldable for the 4 “spheres”

Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere • Requirements are as follows…

– On the cover-Title, 4 labeled flaps (one for each of the “spheres”) and Decoration/Illustrations

– Inside: - On the flipside of each corresponding “sphere” write and illustrate what it is.

– Underneath the flaps, describe and show how each of the spheres

interacts or affects one of the other spheres. For example, the smoke from a forest fire in the biosphere will end up affecting the atmosphere. Winds will carry ash and smoke to other parts of the world.

• Foldable should also be neat, have color, and be the result of effort.